Can Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Blackline Rasbora

Rasbora borapetensis

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

🐠Family Group
Blackline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Dickfeld's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Blackline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Dickfeld's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blackline Rasbora
22–26°C
Dickfeld's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Blackline Rasbora
6–7.5
Dickfeld's Julie
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blackline Rasbora
2–15
Dickfeld's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blackline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Dickfeld's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blackline Rasbora
Moderate
Dickfeld's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Blackline Rasbora
60 L
Dickfeld's Julie
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blackline Rasbora
MiddleTop
Dickfeld's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blackline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Dickfeld's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Blackline Rasbora
Dickfeld's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Blackline Rasbora is a peaceful species (1/10), while Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Dickfeld's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Blackline Rasbora.

Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Blackline Rasbora is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Blackline Rasbora (6–7.5) and Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 75 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie.

Show 15 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 75 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blackline Rasbora or Dickfeld's Julie aggressive?

Blackline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10) and Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Blackline Rasbora and Dickfeld's Julie need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Blackline Rasbora prefers 6–7.5, while Dickfeld's Julie needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dickfeld's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dickfeld's Julie space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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